From Chasing Criminals to Chasing Every Last Deduction

For three decades, Robert Poissonnier wore a badge. He chased down criminals, worked cases at every level from county to the Department of Justice, and lived the high-stress life of law enforcement. But when he walked away from that career, Robert didn’t just retire. He reinvented himself. Today, as the owner of Bob’s Tax Service, he’s chasing something entirely different: every deduction, every credit, and every chance to give his clients peace of mind.

 

A New Kind of Service

After retiring in 2018, Robert knew one thing for certain: he still wanted to help people, just not in the same way. “Law enforcement is stressful. You kind of lose your humanity,” he said. “When people come to me now, they need something. They want to talk. And I can help them in a way that makes a real difference in their life.”

That decision led him back to school to sharpen his accounting and bookkeeping skills. In 2023, Bob’s Tax Service was born in North Carolina. A year later, Robert moved the business to Fort Ashby, West Virginia, to be closer to his kids and grandkids. They sometimes pitch in at the office, answering phones or helping with small tasks.

 

A Career That Shaped Him

Robert doesn’t shy away from talking about his past. Thirty years in law enforcement taught him discipline, patience, and how to pay attention to details most people would miss. “When you work in law enforcement, you don’t have the luxury of overlooking things,” he said. “One mistake can change everything. I carry that mindset into my tax work. Accuracy matters. People are depending on me to get it right.”

While he left the uniform behind, the sense of duty stayed with him. He sees his tax clients almost the way he once saw the community he protected — people who deserve someone trustworthy in their corner.

 

Why Bob’s Tax Service Stands Out

Robert offers tax preparation, e-filing, bookkeeping, and payroll. What makes his practice different is the level of care and expertise he brings. “I’m small enough to take care of my clients on a personal level,” he explained. “If you call Bob’s Tax Service, you’re talking to me. You’re not being passed around between staff. My clients know they can reach me directly, and I’ll take the time to make sure things are done right.”

He stays up to date through classes and certifications and points to real-world examples of how that protects his clients. Recently, tax rules changed around claiming credits for new car purchases. Preparers now have to check the VIN number to confirm final assembly in the United States. “If you don’t know that and you file it wrong, it’s the client who suffers. They could face penalties later,” Robert explained. “I’d rather spend hours learning the rules than see one of my clients deal with that headache.”

 

Supporting Small Businesses and Farms

While many of Robert’s clients are individuals, he also works with small business owners and farms. From Schedule C filings for sole proprietors to Schedule F filings for farmers, he helps make sure even the smallest operations are handled with accuracy. “Even if I don’t do your taxes, I’ll gladly clean up your books so you can hand your preparer a clear profit and loss sheet,” Robert said. He knows that when a business is organized financially, everything else runs more smoothly.

Serving Clients Near and Far

Though Robert is now firmly rooted in West Virginia, geography doesn’t limit him. Many of his clients live out of state, from Maine to Florida to Illinois. Thanks to secure online systems and referrals that travel farther than state lines, he is able to serve people across the country with the same personal care he gives to neighbors in Fort Ashby. “Referrals are powerful,” he said. “One person tells a friend, and before I know it, I’m helping someone three states away.”

Credentials and Commitment

Robert backs his dedication with professional credentials. He is an Advanced ProAdvisor with QuickBooks, a ProAdvisor with Xero, and a member of both the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Tax Professionals. He continues to pursue further licensing and education, investing in the kind of training that builds confidence for his clients.

“Anybody can say they do taxes,” he said. “But having the credentials proves you take it seriously. It shows you’re willing to put in the time to do things right.”

Teaching and Giving Back

Robert also believes in sharing what he knows. On Facebook, he posts tax tips, updates from the IRS, and educational series on common issues like how tips and overtime are taxed. He has even offered to teach high school students basic money management skills like budgeting and balancing a checkbook. “Schools don’t always teach kids how to handle money,” he said. “If I can help even a little, that’s a win.”

And he continues to honor his roots in service. Law enforcement, military, and first responders receive an everyday discount as a way of recognizing their sacrifice.

A Second Act With Heart

Robert spent 30 years protecting and serving. Now, he is preparing and filing. It might look like a drastic career shift, but in reality, it is the same mission: helping people in ways that matter.

“Doing this work brings back my humanity,” Robert said with a quiet smile. “And that’s something worth holding on to.”

📍 Based in Fort Ashby, West Virginia

🌐 Website: bobstaxservice.com
📲 Facebook: @bob.s.tax.service.2023
💼 LinkedIn: Robert Poissonnier
📞 Phone: 304-212-0097
📧 Email: robert.poissonnier@bobstaxservices.com